Chapter 24
“Nate used to treat you so well, and I saw it all. He genuinely liked you and wanted to care for you forever. And how did you respond? I probably know the answer to that. You took everything for granted.
“Back then, Nate’s concern for you was so subtle that you barely noticed it. The last time you teased him, you completely broke his heart. After he decided to withdraw from this unequal relationship, you’ve slowly begun to realize that his care isn’t something you’re entitled to.
“As for your sadness now, my dear, think carefully. Are you sad because of Nate? Or are you sad for yourself?
“If it’s for Nate, given how deeply he once cared, there might still be a chance to reconcile. But if it’s for yourself, maybe it’s best to remain friends. Boys like Nate, with his sensitive nature, won’t come back unless you’ve truly changed.”
After listening to Jasmine’s analysis, Cheryl found herself confused.
She started to wonder if she was really sad because of Nate or if it was more about herself.
Cheryl couldn’t figure it out just yet, but she silently made a decision to try to mend her relationship with Nathan.
Nathan returned home, easily dismissing Viola with a few words before quickly washing up and heading to his room to continue studying. After completing a set of comprehensive practice questions and checking his answers, he collapsed onto his bed.
Maybe, just maybe, 18–year–old Nate and 36–year–old Nathan had finally reached a consensus.
That night, Nathan slept more soundly than he had in a long time.
Perhaps growing up was really about making peace with one’s younger self.
The weekend passed quickly, and Monday rolled around again. As usual, Nathan and Oscar rushed into the classroom just as the morning bell rang.
Having successfully cut it close again, the two exchanged knowing smiles, feeling like they had beaten the system.
At the end of the day, studying was for oneself. Even the most careless students understood that deep down. But most treated schoolwork as a chore, relishing any chance to skip half a class or sneak a few minutes of free time. It was as if they had somehow outsmarted the
system.
One thing worth noting was that when they entered the school that morning, they noticed a
new announcement on the bulletin board. It was the list of the Provincial Outstanding Student Award for 2009.
Nathan’s name was right there, prominently displayed.
Oscar couldn’t help but feel a bit envious. Being on that list meant a whole ten–point advantage for college entrance exams.
It meant Nate was one step closer to entering Northsdale University and becoming someone
even Northsdale couldn’t overlook.
Nathan, however, was surprised.
He couldn’t understand why Layla hadn’t mentioned this to him earlier. Or perhaps she didn’t know either. Maybe it was a decision made by the higher–ups.
What could he say? Clearly, the school leaders had sharp eyes!
They must have already seen that he was destined to become a powerhouse. Still, he had no intention of actually attending Northsdale University, so those extra points didn’t mean much
to him.
As Nathan walked to his desk, he noticed something strange.
His classmates were giving him odd looks, and there, on his desk, was a lunchbox filled with his favorite pretzel rolls. Beneath the lunchbox was a note.
“Nathan, my mom made these. We had leftovers, so she asked me to bring you some.”
The elegant handwriting carried a certain coolness to it, and he found it deeply familiar as if it had been etched into his memory.
Nathan recognized it immediately. It was Cheryl’s handwriting. It was no wonder his classmates were giving him such strange looks.
In the past, he had always been the one eagerly bringing breakfast to Cheryl.
Now, it seemed, the roles had completely reversed.
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